Latest news with #ClimateChangeConferenceandAwards2025


Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Yamuna pollution, smog biggest environmental issues in Delhi: SC Judge Sanjay Karol
New Delhi: Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol on Thursday said smog and Yamuna River pollution were the biggest environmental issues in the national capital. The judge was speaking at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 when he emphasised on environmental protection. Each citizen, he said, was responsible to protect the environment and the onus wasn't just on the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. 'We have to make sure that the environment, be it in any form, has to be protected. I would also say this, that over the years we have developed certain principles, and the public trust doctrine is one such doctrine which we must always keep in mind,' Justice Karol said. He continued, 'But I would say this, if you were to see our report card in the last 75 years, or since the 1980s, what have we done? Have we done enough to protect the environment? My view is that a lot needs to be done, at all levels. And I would borrow an expression, that the solution to the problem now is grassroots solutions to an international problem. The way forward, according to me, is that we as individuals have to take up the causes pertaining to the environment.' Environmental issues could not be left to the courts for passing of verdicts, the legislature for making relevant laws or the executive for implementing them, he added. 'Each one of us, as responsible citizens, has to understand, become aware of, and ensure that we protect the environment for posterity.' He highlighted the two major issues -- air pollution and a polluted Yamuna -- Delhi has been grappling with required attention. 'I don't know how many of you have travelled in the Metro, or how many of you have gone beyond the Lutyens. But if you go to Noida or Trans-Yamuna, you would see what Yamuna really is. These are the two biggest challenges,' Justice Karol said. He outlined judiciary's 'zealous' role in protecting the environment. 'The reason is very clear. And it is that Mother Earth is not ours. We are there for her and we are there not only for her but also for posterity, for future generations, not only in India, but the world over,' the judge said. Justice Karol, as a result, urged each citizen to take up the cause of protecting the environment.


India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Environmental justice is social justice, protecting nature essential for human dignity: Justice AS Oka
New Delhi [India], June 5 (ANI): The Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) hosted the Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025, emphasising India's judiciary's role in environmental protection and sustainability. Chief Guest Justice Sanjay Karol and Guest of Honour Justice Jasmeet Singh addressed the event, where Justice Abhay S Oka received the SILF Sustainability Award 2025 for his contributions to environmental law. Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka stressed that environmental justice is intertwined with social and economic equity, highlighting the Supreme Court's strong stance on pollution and its impact on vulnerable communities. He called for action beyond legal precedents to translate sustainability into real change. Justice Jasmeet Singh noted the urgent climate crisis, underscoring the judiciary's role in balancing conservation with development. He urged collective efforts toward sustainability, emphasizing the need for innovation and commitment. Justice Karol framed climate change as an emergency, stating that Indian courts have zealously protected the environment. He emphasised grassroots solutions and citizen participation in preserving ecological balance. President of SILF, Dr Lalit Bhasin praised the judiciary for setting environmental accountability precedents and called for continued focus on sustainability. The event featured discussions on environmental justice and economic development, with awards recognising contributions from distinguished figures. The conference reinforced the judiciary's critical role in advancing sustainability and environmental protection in India. (ANI)
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Business Standard
3 days ago
- Politics
- Business Standard
Smog, Yamuna pollution biggest environment issues in Delhi: SC judge
Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjay Karol on Thursday said smog and Yamuna River pollution were the biggest environmental issues in the national capital. The judge was speaking at the Society of Indian Law Firms (SILF) Climate Change Conference and Awards 2025 when he emphasised on environmental protection. Each citizen, he said, was responsible to protect the environment and the onus wasn't just on the judiciary, the executive and the legislature. "We have to make sure that the environment, be it in any form, has to be protected. I would also say this, that over the years we have developed certain principles, and the public trust doctrine is one such doctrine which we must always keep in mind," Justice Karol said. He continued, "But I would say this, if you were to see our report card in the last 75 years, or since the 1980s, what have we done? Have we done enough to protect the environment? My view is that a lot needs to be done, at all levels. And I would borrow an expression, that the solution to the problem now is grassroots solutions to an international problem. The way forward, according to me, is that we as individuals have to take up the causes pertaining to the environment." Environmental issues could not be left to the courts for passing of verdicts, the legislature for making relevant laws or the executive for implementing them, he added. "Each one of us, as responsible citizens, has to understand, become aware of, and ensure that we protect the environment for posterity." He highlighted the two major issues -- air pollution and a polluted Yamuna -- Delhi has been grappling with required attention. "I don't know how many of you have travelled in the metro, or how many of you have gone beyond the Lutyens. But if you go to Noida or Trans-Yamuna, you would see what Yamuna really is. These are the two biggest challenges," Justice Karol said. He outlined judiciary's "zealous" role in protecting the environment. "The reason is very clear. And it is that Mother Earth is not ours. We are there for her and we are there not only for her but also for posterity, for future generations, not only in India, but the world over," the judge said.